Police make pot bust, recover assault rifle

Robert Chavez

A search warrant served Tuesday morning on E. Linwood Avenue led to the discovery of a large scale marijuana growing operation and the recovery of an assault weapon by the Turlock Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Tuesday morning TNET served the search warrant at a home in the 300 block of E. Linwood Avenue. Investigators found evidence of electricity theft and a large scale marijuana growing operation inside the home. Investigators seized over 900 plants and an illegal assault weapon. The plants were capable of producing over 250 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $200,000, said Turlock police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis.

No arrests were made during the service of the search warrant, but investigators identified Robert Chavez, 27, of Turlock, as a person of interest in this case.

Anyone with knowledge of Chavez’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Turlock Police Drug Hotline at 668-5550 ext. 6117.